A Scottish Hymn

~From the Book of Joel

My Dad was in the city for a few days, he had more appointments. Dad managed to stop in on me twice for tea. My kids and I where very thankful for that. The visits where short but packed full. We shared tea and conversation and, most importantly, we shared time.

On his last stop in, before he was to head home, he brought me in a CD of bagpipe music to listen to. I don’t always think of myself as a Scotswoman, but when I hear the mournful song of a good bagpipe player I am always moved more then just could be pure coincidental… I am reminded there is a reason this music strikes me to the core… I am Scottish.

Dad put on a favorite hymn and when the strings and piano joined in with the pipes he started to tear up… his face took on a very serious but soft look to it and I could tell he was drawn into his own mind and his own memories. He simply said “This reminds me of my Grandpa Munro.” His voice cracked as he said his grand-dad’s name and he switch to his Scottish accent to give the family name flare and, I imagine, respect as well.

The music had stirred a pressure up in my chest and the sight of my father fighting with emotion threw my heart up into my throat. I couldn’t respond. I simply nodded and stayed quiet.

The verse mentioned above crashed into my consciousness and I just about cried. I don’t know if I can explain the relation but I felt like I understood that verse so much more.

The verse is talking about when God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is poured out on all flesh… the old men will dream dreams…perhaps it is talking about dreams beyond our world of selfish desires, our self centered world that is for the young and is YOUTH… Old men are gifted with the ability to look back and remember…then look forward and dream of the eternal… the Holy Ghost filled old man can see IT clearer, it is more natural for him to dream of eternity then for the youth. The young will prophesy, they are really meant to be of now, focused on the kingdom of God here and now.

I say with all love, let the old men dream.

The moment was just that, a moment, and then he had to fly. This is such a busy season for him and Mom.

P.s. Related LINK.

TTFN